1046 Recent Literature. | October, 
largely theoretical, and we doubt if the author’s conclusions as to 
the reversion and causes of reversion can be proved, especially 
since the climate in Utah, where adult Siredons abound, is as dry 
as in Mexico. ; 
In the fourth and last section of this part, while denying the 
existence of a “ phyletic vital force,’ Weismann claims that while 
the processes and results of evolution are mechanical, and there 
is no interference of a directive teleological power in the pro- 
cesses of the universe, yet that in the beginning there was “an 
appointment of the forces producing them;” that 
course of nature points back to a first Cause, a Creator 
mechanism and teleology do not exclude one another, but that 
there is a purpose in nature. ey 
We take it that Weismann has been the first naturalist to show 
very plainly and simply, and by use of the inductive as well as 
deductive processes of thought, that teleology is not only possi- 
ble but most probable. It seems to us he has afforded the clear- 
est argument yet presented by an evolutionist for the existence of | 
a First Cause. Hence materialism and teleology are opposi 
poles of the same truth. Weismann remarks: “I believe that 1 : 
have shown that the theory of selection by no means leads—as ; 
is always assumed—to the denial of a teleological Universal 
Cause and to materialism, and I thereby hope that I have cleared 
the way for this doctrine, the importance of which it is scares! 
possible to over estimate. Many, and not the most ill-informed, 
do not get so far as to make an unbiased examination in the B® 
because they are at the outset alarmed by the to them inevia 
consequence of the materialistic conception 0 
Mechanism and teleology do not exclude one another, 
rather in mutual agreement. Without teleology there wou 
no mechanism, but only a confusion of crude forces; and pean 
mechanism there would no teleology, for how coul the iat 
otherwise effect its purpose ?” Our author closes this a aah 
work with the following words: “The final and main T? + that 
this essay will thus be found in the attempted demonstration = 
the mechanical conception of nature very wel r 
united with a teleological conception of the universe. 
waite 
Maynarp’s Manuat oF Taxipermy,'—The author OF ip 
Naturalist’s Guide” has, in this new venture, done aS i 
it to be a clear, intelligibl d sufficiently brief descriptio? | 
r, intelligible and su y tit thee the book 
what is required. Indeed the author has purposely a" 
Se oi 
1 Manual of Taxidermy, A complete guide in collecting 
By C. J. Maynarp, [ilustrated. Boston, S. 
and Mammals. 
1883. I2mo, pp. 111. 
